United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

My husband had a lumbar fusion on July 13, 2010. His surgery lasted 11 hours, and he was facedown during the whole 11 hours. When he got out of surgery and was extubated, he found he could not move his right arm. He is right handed. He has been told he has "brachial plexus palsy". He has regained some use of his shoulder but still has no use of his arm. With the estimate of 1 inch per month, we are looking at at least 1 year before he even may get feeling or movement back. He is of course very upset and depressed. This is a man who has worked with his hands all his life. Nothing was really done, and no attention was given (even though I addressed with each person, doctor, nurse, therapist that came in). He now has continuous burning, aching pain in his right arm and we have found out as the, website states, that painkillers do not help. He is in occupational therapy and has tried Lyrica, but does not work. We feel really alone, and that no one cares. It was nice to find this website and know there are others out there. Thanks for reading, and having this site.

Hi Teri,

I'm so sorry to hear about what has happened to your family! You've come to the right place for support.

Try posting your message to the traumatic injury (TBPI) message board. There are many there who have sustained their BPIs through surgery, and might be able to offer you more information than those of us on the General board can (the General board is largely made up of parents whose children sustained their BPIs during birth).

However, whichever board you post to, please know we are all here to offer support! Hang in there!

<><
mica

Thank you Mica, will do. I hope so....this has been very traumatic for us. Thanks for replying.